To think this comment was uncalled for?

[flanjabelle]

Took dd (2.3) to the park to ride her scooter. she was wearing jeans, long sleeved vest, long sleeved t shirt, woolly jumper, coat, helmet and knee pads.

We came across a woman walking on the path, dd stopped to let her past, all good. Dd was telling me that it was 'good fun mummy' and laughing. The woman stopped, and demanded to know why dd wasn't wearing gloves and told me that her hands must be far too cold. Yes her hands were cold, but in all other respects she was well wrapped up, and gloves would have made her slip her hands off of the handles, I thought. I found myself desperately trying to explain myself to this woman, but I really shouldn't have I don't think.

Was the comment really necessary? Would you have commented? Dd was happy, laughing and having a great time! It made me feel a bit crap and as if I had made the wrong decision.

I'm aware this is petty, but I'm having a shitty time with health problems and was proud of myself for getting dd out to the park. I was in severe pain and doing my best and it knocked me. Sad I know.

I think I was a baby like InQuiteAChristmasPickle's DD.

Were you a bloody stubborn nightmare too? Ha ha

I've also just realised that I still haven't dropped the "Christmas" from my name . It might be bad luck to change it now.

Oh gawd. I am that 'bonkers' woman who is prepared to make a tit of herself if I am concerned about a child. I do think it is our business - 'our' meaning everybody - when it comes to children.

I have never commented on a child being cold - though once came dangerously close. My absolute absolute bugbear is parents/people taking kids out of the car on the roadside. I just do not understand how people can take such a risk. Drivers can be stupid is the point - why risk it? I have made a comment 3 times in total and been met with a torrent of abuse extreme anger. I am prepared to take it if it makes the parent/whatever think in future and not do it.

Ime there's no way to say it except straight. I obviously don't relish saying it - i hate it - so it may come out a bit 'tight'! Perhaps the gloves woman felt the same and it sounded hostile? I realise the parent is going to think I'm judging them but that is not where I'm coming from at all, I just want that child safe and I can't be thinking about the parent's feelings as the priority.

Shed have had a field day with my 5yo. He won't wear a coat, or often a jumper either. It was 4 degrees here today. We compromised, in that he agreed to wear the jumper!!!